2006 BMW M3 vs. 1985 Volvo 740
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volvo 740. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volvo 740 would be higher. At 3,244 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1985 Volvo 740. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1985 Volvo 740. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1985 Volvo 740. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2006 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volvo 740. (240 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volvo 740.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1985 Volvo 740 | |
| Make | BMW | Volvo |
| Model | M3 | 740 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3244 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2780 mm |
